Multiple-interface selection system for computer peripherals

ABSTRACT

An interface selection and configuration system for a computer peripheral in which configuration for the peripheral and/or the host interface is at least in part accomplished by the interface connector cable. In a preferred embodiment, the computer peripheral is equipped with one or more hardware interfaces. The interface connector cable has a first end connector for attaching to the computer peripheral. The first end connector of the interface connector cable is typically a multiple pin connector constructed and arranged to be properly physically and electrically connectable only to a specific computer peripheral or class of computer peripherals, the first end connector including at least one electrical connection between two pins for completing a circuit within the computer peripheral thereby enabling the computer peripheral. Where the peripheral is a data reading device such as a laser scanner or RFID reader, alternate or additional configuration may be obtained, with data reading device, from the label on the interconnect cable. The label, which may for example be a bar code or RFID tag, contains information or instructions by which the data reading device (and/or the host) is configured.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/706,736, filed Sep. 9,1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,347 which is a continuation of Ser. No.08/305,517, filed Sep. 13, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,402, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/039,606, filed Mar. 25,1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,113, which is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 08/034,189 filed Mar. 22, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No.5,330,370, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/788,267filed Nov. 4, 1991, abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention relates to interconnection systemsfor computers and computer peripherals or more specifically, methods anddevices for selecting proper interface between a computer peripheral andits host interface such as may include a computer.

Host computers need to be interconnected to a wide variety of peripheraldevices including printers, scanners, monitors, and controllers amongothers. When the host computer is being connected to a certain type ofperipheral, for example a handheld laser scanner, the computer typicallyhas a single input/output connector to which the scanner may beconnected by an interconnect cable. It is frequently desirable that aparticular handheld scanner be usable with a variety of different hostcomputers. Conversely, it is also desirable that the host computer beable to support a variety of different handheld scanners.

Heretofore there have been several systems for achieving properconfiguration between the host computer and the peripheral. In a typicalsystem, a particular peripheral is configured to work with a particularhost computer or terminal, that is, the peripheral has contained asingle dedicated interface. Similarly, the host computer was configuredto accept only a particular type of peripheral. Any time the peripheralwas moved to a different host computer, it was necessary to replace theinterface software and hardware in the peripheral.

The host computer may include a software selection program in which theuser inputs information identifying the particular peripheral enablingthe system to have proper operation. Such an operation requires the userto correctly input information into the host computer identifying theparticular peripheral. Alternately, means are provided for scanning acode on the outside of the peripheral which informs the computer of thetype of peripheral. Some peripherals actually include identifyingsignals which again inform the particular host of the type of peripheraland software provides the desired configuration. Many of these systemsstill require correct interface hardware.

In another configuration technique, the peripheral includes interfacehardware for more than one host computer. When configuring, the printedcircuit board of the peripheral requires certain hardware configurationin order to be correctly linked to a host computer. Such hardwareconfiguration may be effectuated by manually actuable external switchesor by internal switches or "jumpers" within the printed circuit board(and/or within the host computer) which activate or deactivate certaincomponents. Such an operation typically requires the expertise of anelectronics technician or skilled user and is not a desirable fieldoperation to be performed by the typical user. It is desirable to havean inexpensive and easy to use interconnection system which can beeffectively used by the average user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an interface selection system for acomputer peripheral in which configuration for the peripheral and/or itshost is at least in part accomplished through the interface connectorcable. In a preferred embodiment, the computer peripheral is equippedwith one or more hardware interfaces. The interface connector cable hasa first end connector for attaching to the computer peripheral. Thefirst end connector of the interface connector cable is typically amultiple contact connector (such as pin or edge connector) constructedand arranged to be properly physically and electrically connectable onlyto a specific computer peripheral (or class of computer peripherals),and a specific host interface the cable connector including at least oneelectrical connection between two contacts for completing a circuitwithin the computer peripheral thereby enabling the computer peripheral.

In another preferred embodiment where the peripheral is a data readingdevice such as a laser scanner or an RF identification receiver,alternate or additional configuration may be provided by obtaining, withthe data reading device, information from the label on the interconnectcable. The label, which may for example be a bar code, containsinformation or instructions by which the data reading device (and/or thehost) is configured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a handheld laser scanner attached to ahost computer according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of an interface connector system accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a detailed diagrammatic view of a printed circuit board ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a detailed diagrammatic view of an edge connector as in FIG.2;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of an alternate peripheral configurationsystem;

FIG. 6 is an end view of an end connector in FIG. 5 taken along line6--6;

FIG. 7 is an end view of an end connector in FIG. 5 taken along line7--7;

FIG. 8 is a connector schematic illustrating an example cable connectionscheme for the cable connector of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of an alternate peripheral configurationsystem;

FIG. 10 is an end view of an end connector in FIG. 9 taken along line10--10;

FIG. 11 is an end view of an end connector in FIG. 9 taken along line11--11;

FIG. 12 is a connector schematic illustrating an example cableconnection scheme for the cable connector of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternate cable connection embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a cable scanning code operation; and

FIG. 15 illustrates various peripheral/host pairs.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to thedrawings.

In FIG. 1, an example computer peripheral is illustrated as a handheldlaser scanner 10 used for scanning a bar code 11. The scanner 10 isoperably connected to a host interface (diagrammatically illustrated asa computer 15) via an interconnect cable 38. The interconnect cable 38includes an end plug or edge connector 30 which connects to a matingconnector 21 on the end of a printed circuit board 20 within the scanner10. The interconnect cable 38 provides a communication link between thehost computer 15 and the laser scanner 10 and may also provide power tothe scanner 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, the interconnect cable 38 has a first end connector30 which plugs into the scanner 10 attaching to the edge connector 21 ofthe circuit board 20, and a second end connector 40 which plugs into thehost computer 15 attaching to the edge connector 18. The first endconnector 30 includes tabs 34, 36 which slide into and mate withcorresponding slots 24, 26 in the body of the handle of the scanner 10.Different types of scanners may be equipped with different positions ofthe slots 24, 26. Only an end connector 30 having the correctconfiguration of tabs 34, 36 will be correctly physically connectable tothe scanner 10. An interconnect cable 38 without the correct tabconfiguration cannot physically be plugged into the scanner 10.

Similarly on the host computer side of the interconnect cable 38, thesecond end connector 40 is equipped with a tab 44 which mates with acorresponding slot 17 at the mating edge connector 18 of the hostcomputer 15. Only an end connector 40 having the correct configurationof the tab 44 will be correctly physically connectable to the hostcomputer 15. An interconnect cable 38 without the correct tabconfiguration cannot physically be plugged into the host computer 10.

Therefore in order to connect a particular peripheral (such as a laserscanner 10) to a particular host computer, a cable having the correcttab configurations at both end connectors must be selected. The uniquephysical configurations ensures that the user must select the correctcable for the host computer and peripheral pair. The preferredembodiment may only require tab configuration on the host computer endbecause it is not anticipated that the various handheld scanners willrequire the dedicated interconnect cables, but tab configurations on theperipheral end may be desired in other peripheral applications. Further,the tab configurations illustrated are but one example means forensuring proper interconnect cable selection. The tabs and slots arereadily added to conventional end connectors. The design illustrateddoes not prevent end connectors without tabs from connecting to theperipheral 10 and the host computer 15, but such design may be modifiedby one skilled in the art (such as by reversing the positions of theslots/tabs) to prevent such connection.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the printed circuit board 20 (located withinthe scanner 10) includes an edge connector 21 shown with seven edgecontacts 22 (numbered 1 through 7). Though there is a distinctionbetween edge contacts and pins, for the purposes of the presentinvention, they are interchangeable--a pin connector with its matingplug connector may be interchanged for an edge connector pair or anyother suitable electrical contact pair.

The board 20 is designed and constructed to be operable with a number ofhost computers by way of an externally activated hardware configurationprovided by the interconnect cable 38. As viewed in FIG. 4, in the edgeconnector 30, the edge contacts #5 and #7 are electrically connected,illustrated as being "jumped". Edge contacts #1 and #3 are also jumpedwhile edge contacts #2, #4 and #6 are used for communication. When theinterconnect cable 38 is plugged into the printed circuit board 20, edge20 contacts #1 and #3 of the edge connector 21 are thereby electricallyconnected, and edge contacts #5 and #7 are also electrically connected.By so electrically connecting these electrical contacts, certaincircuits within the circuit board 20 become electrically connectedresulting in a desired configuration. The scanner 10 becomes configuredto accept a particular host computer 15. The user has configured thescanner merely by plugging in the correct interconnect cable 38.

A similar configuration selection system may alternately or incombination be applied to the host computer connection side. The edgeconnector 40 has certain of its edge contacts 42 electrically connected,in the illustrated example pins #5 and #7 of the edge connector 40 arejumped. When the edge connector 40 is plugged into the edge connector 18of host computer 15, edge contacts #5 and #7 within the edge connector18 become electrically connected, completing a circuit within the hostcomputer 15, thereby configuring the host computer 15 for the particularperipheral. The user may therefore configure the host computer 15 forthe particular scanner 10 by merely selecting and plugging in thecorrect interconnect cable 38.

In practice, the user would be provided with a single peripheral, suchas a scanner and several interconnect cables. To connect the scanner,the user would merely select the interconnect cable corresponding to theparticular host computer and plug it into the scanner. The interconnectcable would then configure the scanner for the particular host computer.To move the scanner to a different host computer, the user would merelyhave to switch cables. The interconnect cable 38 may be provided withmeans for identifying such as identifying markings 39 imprinted directlyon the interconnect cable 38 itself, color coding, a label withidentification information connected to the cable 38, or the like toassist the user in selecting the correct interconnect cable for thegiven host.

The illustrated seven edge connector embodiment is a simplified examplefor a connector design. Electrical contact configurations may of coursebe more or less than seven contacts (and the two ends need not be thesame). In a preferred scanner application, an interconnect cable plugwith 30 pins is set forth in Table A as follows:

                  TABLE A    ______________________________________    Pin #    Signal Name      Data Direction (s)    ______________________________________    1        TEST.sub.-- DATA <- - - - ->    2        READ.sub.-- DATA.sub.-- WAND                               - - - - ->    3        START.sub.-- DATA                              <- - - - -    4        CLOCKIN          <- - - - -    5        CLOCKOUT         <- - - - -    6        RDATA.sub.-- RTN  - - - - ->    7        SDATA.sub.-- RTN <- - - - -    8        CLOCK.sub.-- OUT.sub.-- RTN                              <- - - - -    9        CLOCK.sub.-- OUT.sub.-- RTN                              <- - - - -    10       VCC              <- - - - -    11       VCC.sub.-- OUT    - - - - ->    12       VCC.sub.-- IN    <- - - - -    13       CLEAR.sub.-- TO.sub.-- SEND    14       TRANSMIT.sub.-- DATA    15       RETURN.sub.-- DATA    16       RETURN.sub.-- S    17       DATA.sub.-- PLUS    18       DATA-MINUS    19       BEEP.sub.-- IN    20       PWR.sub.-- EN    21       TRIGGER    22       BAR.sub.-- CODE.sub.-- OUT    23       GOOD.sub.-- READ.sub.-- IN    24       START.sub.-- OF.sub.-- SCAN    25       MTR.sub.-- FAIL    26       GROUND    27       CONFIG.sub.-- 1    28       CONFIG.sub.-- 2    29       CONFIG.sub.-- 3    30       CONFIG.sub.-- 4    - - - - - - - - - - - -    ______________________________________

The interconnect cable plug may use certain of the pins forcommunication or power. Some of the pins may be unused and available forother applications, it being desirable that the same pin design beusable for different configurations. The last four pins #27-#30 arededicated for providing the configuration for the peripheral. Thevariations of configurations are limitless and may be designed to suit aparticular application. The example in Table A is provided in part toshow the wide variety of configurations that may be employed. By thecable configuration scheme, the peripheral may be configured setting forexample communication baud rate, bit setting (8-bit, 16-bit etc.),parity or some other parameter.

Though particular types of end connectors have been described, the pinconnector may be any suitable electrical connector means for providingelectrical contact including plugs, pin connectors, sockets, edgeconnectors and the like. The end connector has multiple contacts, thecontacts providing the actual electrical contact surface. The contactsmay be pins, edge contacts, plugs, sockets, or any suitable electricalcontact element.

The center of the interconnect cable 38 may comprise any suitabletransmission medium including a wire (as illustrated), cable, fiberoptic cable, radio frequency link, infra red light link, or othertransmission medium.

The cable configuration system described may be combined with otherconfiguration systems, some of which have been previously described. Forexample, the interconnect cable system described herein may be used toautomatically select a configuration for a certain class or group ofperipherals. The peripheral may additionally include external (orinternal) switches identifying the particular peripheral within thegroup thereby completing the described configuration.

In practice, a computer peripheral such as a laser scanner 10 will beequipped with hardware and firmware so that it may be used with aplurality of different host computers or computer terminals. To provideinitial configuration or change configuration when switching hostcomputers, the peripheral is configured merely by selecting the correctinterconnect cable 38. The electrically connected pins in the endconnector of the interconnect cable provide the switching necessarywithin the scanner 10, activating or deactivating certain circuits,thereby configuring the scanner 10 for the particular host computer.

The interconnect cable 38 may be designed in any suitable manner. InFIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate jump connections between the respective edgecontacts 32 of edge connector 30 (or edge contacts 42 of edge connector40), other electrical connection mechanisms may be employed. Thecontacts may be electrically connected by a simple hard wire connection.The interconnect cable 38 itself may include a printed circuit board 50,preferably in a unitary structure, which may provides the desiredelectrical connection between the pins. The interconnect cable 38 (orthe printed circuit board 50 thereon) may itself be equipped with dipswitches 52 (dual inline package switches) or some other type of switch.An interconnect cable equipped with switches would have certainadvantages as only one cable version need be manufactured. The cabletype corresponding to a particular peripheral would be selected bysetting the switches (by the manufacturer or by the skilled user) andthe cable could then stamped with an identifying code 39.

As described above, the handheld data reader or other computerperipheral is generally connected by a connector cable to a given hostor interface. The host or interface is typically a host computer such asa central processing unit (CPU) or other intermediate device which inturn communicates with the CPU. The host may be a communication module,such as an RF transmitter which is provides a radio frequencycommunication link to the host computer. In such an application, thecable is nonetheless connected to the host computer or CPU albeitthrough the communication module. If the peripheral is a printer forexample, the host may be a network interface, into which the connectorcable is plugged, which is in turn connected to the host computer.

There are myriad of potential hosts for a given peripheral. By way ofanother example, FIG. 13 illustrates a system in which a handheld barcode scanner 210 is connected to a key entry terminal 230. Theinterconnect cable 220 has a first end connector 222 plugged into thehandheld bar code scanner 210. The second end connector 224 is actuallyplugged into a translator module 235 (sometimes called a "wedge") whichconverts the signal transmitted from the scanner 210 into a signal ofthe same form as that produced by the key entry terminal 230. The keyentry terminal 230 is in turn connected by a suitable communication link237 to the central processing unit 240. In this arrangement, the host isliterally the wedge 240 but may be also be considered to comprise a hostassembly contained within the dashed-lined box and designated by numeral250.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate a preferred alternate embodiment in which theperipheral is a handheld data reading device 110 such as a bar codelaser scanner, a CCD reader or other device. The scanner 110 is attachedto a host, diagrammatically illustrated as a data terminal 140, by aconnector cable 120 with a first end connector 122 plugged into thescanner 110 and the second end connector 124 plugged into the dataterminal 140. The connector cable 120 is provided with a label 135 whichcontains encoded data which may be read by the data reader 110. Thelabel 135 may, for example, be a separate tag on which the bar code isimprinted or the bar code may be imprinted directly on the cable 120itself. As described below, the label may also comprise an RFID tagcontaining the pertinent programming data.

As best shown in FIG. 6, the first end connector 122 is illustrated asan edge connector having a plurality of edge contacts, includingcontacts 122a, 122b, for connection into a corresponding connector inthe handle of the scanner 110. FIGS. 5 and 7 illustrate the second endconnector 124 as a pin connector having a plurality of pins (includingpins 124a, 124b) for connection into a corresponding connector in thedata terminal 140.

The cable 120 may also include an identification label 139 which hasidentification information to assist the user in selecting the correctcable for the particular scanner and host pair. Other or alternateselection means such as color coding may be provided to assist the userin selecting the correct interconnect cable for the particularapplication.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an example cable connection scheme 150for the cable connector 120 of FIG. 5. Color coded cable wires (Brown,Orange, Black, Yellow, Green, White) provide desired electricalcommunication path between edge contacts (nos. 10, 9, 18 etc.) in thefirst end connector 122 and respective pin contacts (nos. 4, 3, 7 etc)in the second end connector 124. The cable connector 120 also includesperipheral configuration selection by electrical connector 121(connecting edge contacts 14 and 13) and by electrical connector 123(connecting edge contacts 1 and 17).

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate another preferred alternate embodiment in whichthe peripheral is a handheld data reading device 155 such as a bar codelaser scanner, a CCD reader or other device. The scanner 155 is attachedto a host (diagrammatically illustrated as a data terminal 180) by aconnector cable 160 with a first end connector 162 plugged into thescanner 155 and the second end connector 164 plugged into the dataterminal 180. The connector cable 160 is provided with a label 175 whichcontains encoded data which may be read by the data reader 155. Thelabel 175 may, for example, be a separate tag on which a bar code isimprinted or the bar code label may be imprinted directly on the cable160 itself. As described in detail below, if required, the user may atleast partly configure the scanner 155 merely by scanning the bar codelabel 175. An internal operation routine within the scanner 155 thenconfigures the scanner itself on the basis of the configurationinformation provided by the bar code.

As best shown in FIG. 10, the first end connector 162 is illustrated asan edge connector having a plurality of edge contacts, includingcontacts 162a, 162b, for connection into a corresponding connector inthe handle of the scanner 155. FIGS. 9 and 11 illustrate the second endconnector 164 as a plug connector (similar to the type conventionallyused on home telephones) having a plurality of wire connectors(including wire connectors 164a, 164b) for connection into acorresponding connector in the data terminal 180.

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates an example cable connection scheme 190for the cable connector 160 of FIG. 9. Color coded cable wires (Brown,Orange, Black, Yellow, Green, White) provide desired electricalcommunication path between edge contacts (nos. 10, 9, 18 etc.) in thefirst end connector 162 and respective contacts (nos. 1, 2, 3, 4) in thesecond end connector 164. The cable connector 160 also includesperipheral configuration selection by electrical connector 161(connecting edge contacts 14 and 13) and by electrical connector 163(connecting edge contacts 1 and 17).

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG.14, the data reader device 310 is further (or alternately) configured byreading a label having encoded data thereon such as a configuration barcode 335 which is placed on the interconnect cable 320. By reading theconfiguration code 335, the scanner 310 (and/or the host 340) isconfigured for the particular application on the basis of the encodedinstruction data by means of an internal configuration routine withinthe scanner 310 or the host 340.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,866,257 and 4,861,972 (herein incorporated byreference) disclose examples on how a scanner may be configured byscanning a bar code or by downloading information from a host computer.Once the bar code has been scanned or the control information, theconfiguration information is stored in a memory (preferably anon-volatile memory such as EEPROM) in the scanner so that repetitiveconfiguration is not required and the configuration of the scanner isnot lost when power is turned off. Typically, the bar codes arecontained in the user manual and the user must obtain the manual andthen select the correct bar code to be scanned. However, according tothe preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the user 305 need only selectthe correct interconnect cable 320 and the correct bar code label 335 tobe scanned is automatically selected since it is on the cable itself.Moreover, being on the cable, the bar code is readily accessible andlocatable without having to locate the user manual. Though once thesystem has been initially configured, the system will preferably storethe configuration information, if it becomes necessary to reconfigure,the configuration bar code 335 remains readily accessible on the cable320.

In order to ensure that a scanner is not inadvertently reconfigured, aconfiguration switch may be provided which must be actuated to place thescanner in programming mode. Once the switch is actuated the scannerenters programming mode enabling the programming label 335 on the cableto be read and configure the scanner. The switch may be a hardwareswitch such as a dip switch 312 (see FIG. 14) on the housing of thescanner 310. Alternately, programming mode may be entered (and exited ifdesired) by a soft switch such as a switch label 337 located on thecable 320. Though the configuring bar code conveniently appears on theinterconnect cable, configuration bar codes (i.e., the same bar code asappearing on the cable as well as additional bar codes) may nonethelessbe provided in the user manual to allow the user to configure theperipheral as desired such as to specific user optional settings.Alternately, the programming label may be positioned on the hostcomputer or terminal. Such a location may be less desirable sincedifferent scanners may be plugged into the same host, possibly requiringdifferent programming labels. Alternately, the program switch label maybe positioned on the host as shown by the label 342 on the host 340 ofFIG. 14. The user would then scan the label 342 to switch to programmingmode and then scan the programming label 335 on the cable 320.

Configuration on the basis of the encoded data instructions obtained byreading the label or bar code 335 may be accomplished by a suitableinternal configuration routine. For example, the routine may configureby way of selecting proper internal switch settings or by selecting andrunning a given protocol program. The data reader preferably stores itsconfiguration parameters in a non-volatile programmable memory such asEEPROM. These parameters may be set by manual programming or reset bythe configuration routine. The instructions from the label may cause thesoftware in the data reader to execute a series of commands resulting inthe setting (or resetting) of the EEPROM-stored parameters.

Configuration selection or parameters change or set a particularfunction for the peripheral. Possible configuration selections orparameters may include, by way of example for a handheld scanner:

interface identification (for a laser scanner, may include Undecoded,IBM 4683, OCIA, RS-232, Wand Emulation, etc.);

communication parameters such as baud rate (2400 baud, 9600 baud etc.);data format settings (parity, stop bits, data bits), hardwarehandshaking (CTS/RTS), software handshaking (Xon,Xoff), intercharacterdelay (none, 10 ms, 20 ms etc.), UPC Data Format (UPA-A, UPC-E, CheckDigit, Number System Digit);

system specific parameters (prefixes, suffixes, symbology identifiers,etc.);

reading restrictions, the instructions might restrict the set of codesoptions that the decoder may have to handle; by restricting the readingoptions, the operation speed of the "autodiscrimination" algorithm (themeans by which the decoder figures out which code it is seeing) may beincreased as compared to requiring the algorithm to consider all codetypes.

The preferred actual location on the cable for the encoded label willdepend upon the particular application. Referring to FIG. 5 for example,the label 135 is located adjacent the second end connector. An alternatelocation is directly on the second end connector 124 as shown by symbollabel 133 on end connector 124. If the second end connector 124 is toosmall to practically accommodate the label 133 or if the connectionlocation to the data terminal 140 provides inconvenient access, thelabel 135 may preferably be located up the cable connector 120 at asuitable distance from the second end connector 124. In general, it isimpractical to locate the label 135 on the first end connector 122 orimmediately adjacent thereto because when the first end connector 122 isplugged into the scanner 155, the scanner 155 cannot be oriented to scana label located immediately adjacent the first end connector 122.

Nonetheless, in certain applications it may be desirable to locate thelabel 135 near the first end connector 122. If the connector cable 120is relatively long, for example 50 feet (15 meters), the label may bepreferably positioned about 2 feet (60 cm) from the first end connector122. Such a position is close enough to be easily located but far enoughto allow convenient access. Such a location is illustrated in FIG. 14where the bar code label 335 is located on the cable 320 at a convenientdistance from scanner 310.

Though the cable connector configuration embodiment and the cableconnector data reader configuration embodiment may be used separately toconfigure the peripheral, the embodiments may be combined together toprovide a comprehensive and readily implemented configuration procedure.By way of example, FIG. 15 illustrates a peripheral shown as a laserscanner 410 is equipped with a multi-interface architecture which allowsany one of many different types of host interfaces (such as a dataterminal 440, a fixed scanner or other point of sale unit 450, or ahandheld key entry unit 460) to be selected for a particular scanner. Acable 420 is selected corresponding to the particular scanner 410 andthe desired host interface (440, 450, 460) pair. In practice, the useris supplied with a plurality of specific connector cables whichcorrespond to the possible scanner/host pairs which the customer mayhave.

When plugged into the scanner, the cable 420 itself selects a certainconfiguration scheme in the scanner 410. The cable 420 may alsoconfigure the host interface. The cable 420 may be equipped withphysical connector elements to ensure that only the correct cable may beeven physically plugged into the host. Once plugged into the scanner andthe host, using the scanner itself, the operator then scans the label onthe cable which completes or confirms scanner/host configuration.

Besides the bar code label, there are other types of labels or tagscontaining information which may be obtained by a reader device. Onesuch label or tag is an RFID tag (radio frequency identification tag).The RFID tag is normally passive, but when activated or prompted by asignal from a interrogator, the RFID tag emits a signal with itsinformation to a receiving device. In one alternative embodiment, thecable 320 may include a label 336 comprising an RFID tag instead of abar code. The scanner 310 may comprise an RFID tag interragtor/receiver(either exclusively or in combination with a bar code scanningmechanism) which prompts the RFID tag 336 for its data and receives thedata. The data is then used to set internal configuration, function orthe like. The programming RFID tag process may be initiated for exampleby actuating the programming switch 312 on the device 310. Alternately,programming may be automatically initiated upon power up or power downof the device 310. In the power up example, when the device is poweredup, the programming frequency signal would be emitted and upon receiptthe RFID tag would emit its signal transmitting programming data to thedevice. Such a system would not require the user to perform any actexcept plug in the correct cable and turn on the data reader and thedata reader itself would obtain the proper configuration information(for example) from the RFID tag on the cable and in this exampleconfigure itself for the host device such as by selecting the properinternal parameter.

An RFID programming tag 343 may alternately be located on the hostdevice itself. By activating the programming sequence, the device 310may receive the data from the tag 343 identifying the host device 340allowing the peripheral device to be configured for that host device.

Thus, a peripheral configuration system and method have been shown anddescribed. Though certain examples and advantages have been disclosed,further advantages and modifications may become obvious to one skilledin the art from the disclosures herein. The invention therefore is notto be limited except in the spirit of the claims that follow.

We claim:
 1. A method for configuring a bar code scanning system for agiven application, the bar code scanning system being comprised of ascanner and an interconnect cable, comprising the steps of:(1)identifying the scanner; (2) identifying the given application for whichthe bar code scanning system will be used; (3) selecting a correctinterconnect cable by identifying an interconnect cable corresponding tothe scanner and the given application identified in steps (1) and (2);(4) connecting the interconnect cable selected in step (3) to thescanner and the host; (5) providing a bar code label with theinterconnect cable, the bar code label instructions for selection ofinterface configuration parameters for the bar code scanning system; (6)reading the bar code label with the scanner to obtain the instructions;(7) configuring the bar code scanning system for the given applicationby selecting proper internal parameter settings on the basis of theinstructions.
 2. A method for configuring a bar code scanning system fora given application, the bar code scanning system being comprised of ascanner and an interconnect cable, comprising the steps of(1)identifying the scanner; (2) identifying the given application for whichthe bar code scanning system will be used; (3) selecting a correctinterconnect cable by identifying an interconnect cable corresponding tothe scanner and the given application identified in steps (1) and (2);(4) configuring the bar code scanning system by connecting theinterconnect cable selected in step (3) to the scanner and the host. 3.A method according to claim 2 wherein the step of selecting the correctinterconnect cable comprises selecting an interconnect cable having anidentifying code imprinted thereon corresponding to the scanner and thegiven application identified in steps (1) and (2).
 4. A method accordingto claim 2 further comprising(5) providing a bar code label with theinterconnect cable, the label containing encoded data comprisinginstructions for selection of interface configuration parameters for thebar code scanning system; (6) using the scanner to obtain the encodeddata; (7) processing the encoded data; (8) by means of an internalconfiguration routine, configuring the bar code scanning system for thegiven application by selecting proper internal parameter settings on thebasis of the instructions from the encoded data.
 5. A method accordingto claim 4 wherein the bar code scanner comprises a laser scanner.
 6. Amethod of setting interface configuration of a data reading system for agiven host type, comprising the steps ofselecting an interconnect cablecorresponding to the given host type; providing a bar code label withthe interconnect cable, the bar code label containing encoded datacomprising instructions corresponding to the given host type; scanningthe bar code label to obtain the encoded data contained in the label;setting interface configuration of the data reading system on the basisof the instructions from the encoded data.
 7. A method according toclaim 6 wherein the given host type comprises a data terminal.
 8. Amethod according to claim 6 wherein the given host type comprises acommunications module.
 9. A method according to claim 8 wherein thecommunications module comprises an RF transmitter.
 10. A methodaccording to claim 6 wherein the given host type comprises a point ofsale unit.
 11. A method according to claim 6 wherein the given host typecomprises a wedge.
 12. A method according to claim 6 further comprisingplacing the bar code label on a tag associated with the interconnectcable.
 13. A method according to claim 6 further comprising imprintingthe bar code label directly on the interconnect cable.
 14. A methodaccording to claim 6 wherein the interconnect cable includes a printedcircuit board.
 15. A method according to claim 6 wherein the step ofsetting the interface configuration comprises setting system parameterscorresponding to an interface type selected from the group consistingof: IBM 4683, OCIA, RS-232, Wand Emulation.
 16. A bar code scanningsystem comprisinga scanner; and an interconnect cable detachablyconnectable to the scanner, the interconnect cable being removable bybeing connecting to and being disconnected from the scanner whereinhardware and/or firmware of the bar code scanning system isautomatically configured to interface with a given host by selecting aninterconnect cable corresponding to the given host and connecting theinterconnect cable to the scanner.
 17. A system according to claim 16wherein the interconnect cable includes a switch for changingconfiguration of the interconnect cable.
 18. A system according to claim16 wherein the interconnect cable includes a printed circuit board. 19.A system according to claim 18 the printed circuit board includesswitches for changing internal settings of the interconnect cable.
 20. Asystem according to claim 16 further comprising an identifying codelocated on an outer surface of the interconnect cable, the identifyingcode corresponding to a particular host or class of hosts to which theinterconnect cable corresponds.
 21. A system according to claim 16wherein the interconnect cable includes a first end for connection tothe scanner and a second end, the second end including a multiplecontact connector constructed and arranged to be properly physicallyconnectable only to given host or similar class of hosts.
 22. A datareading system, comprising a data reader and an interconnect cabledetachably connectable to the data reader, the interconnect cable beingremovable by being connecting to and being disconnected from the datareader wherein interface configuration of the data reading system ischangeable to correspond with a given host by changing the interconnectcable and connecting the interconnect cable to the data reader.
 23. Adata reading system comprisinga data reader; an interconnect cabledetachably connectable to the data reader; a bar code label associatedwith the interconnect cable, the label containing encoded datacomprising instructions for selection of interface configurationparameters for the data reading system; internal circuitry for settinginterface configuration parameters of the data reading system, whereinthe data reading system is set to a given interface configuration byreading the bar code label associated with the interconnect cable.
 24. Adata reading system according to claim 23 wherein the interfaceconfiguration is selected from the group consisting of:IBM 4683, OCIA,RS-232, Wand Emulation.
 25. A data reading system according to claim 24further comprising a data terminal connected to the data reader via theinterconnect cable.
 26. A data reading system comprisinga scanner; aninterconnect cable detachably connectable to the scanner; a bar codelabel associated with the interconnect cable, the label containingencoded data comprising instructions for selection of interfaceconfiguration parameters for the data reading system; internal circuitryfor setting interface configuration parameters of the data readingsystem, wherein the data reading system is set to a given interface typeby connecting the interconnect cable to the scanner and scanning the barcode label associated with the interconnect cable.
 27. A data readingsystem according to claim 26 wherein the interface type is selected fromthe group consisting of:Undecoded, IBM 4683, OCIA, RS-232, WandEmulation.
 28. A data reading system according to claim 26 furthercomprising an RF communications module connected to the scanner via theinterconnect cable.
 29. A connector cable system according to claim 28further comprisingan identifying code located on an outer surface of theinterconnect cable, the identifying code corresponding to the givenhost.
 30. A connector cable system according to claim 28 wherein theinterconnect cable comprises a switch for changing a function of theinterconnect cable.
 31. A connector cable system according to claim 28wherein the interconnect cable comprises a printed circuit.
 32. Aconnector cable system according to claim 28 wherein the programminglabel in imprinted on a tag attached to the interconnect cable.
 33. Aconnector cable system for providing interface configuration of a datareading system having a data reader and an interconnect cable,comprisingan interconnect cable having a first end connector connectableto the data reader and a second end connector connectable to a givenhost; a unique programming label provided with the interconnect cablehaving configuration data encoded thereon, the configuration datacomprising information readable by the data reader to configure the datareading system to an interface corresponding to the given host.
 34. Amethod for configuring a scanning system for a host, comprising thesteps of(1) identifying the scanning system; (2) identifying a givenhost for which the scanning system will be used; (3) configuring thescanning system for the given host by the steps of:(a) selecting acorrect interconnect cable by identifying an interconnect cablecorresponding to the scanning system and the given host identified insteps (1) and (2), (b) connecting the interconnect cable selected instep (3)(a) to the scanning system and the host, wherein connection ofthe interconnect cable sets internal configuration parameters of thescanning system.
 35. A method according to claim 34 wherein the step ofconfiguring the scanning system further comprises(c) providing a labelcontaining configuration information, (d) reading the label with thescanning system to obtain the information, (e) setting internalconfiguration parameters on the basis of the information.
 36. A methodaccording to claim 34 wherein the scanning system comprises a handheldbar code laser scanner.
 37. A method according to claim 34 furthercomprising setting the interface configuration of the scanning systemfor a given host type, wherein the given host type comprises a dataterminal.
 38. A method according to claim 34 further comprising settingthe interface configuration of the scanning system for a given hosttype, wherein the given host type comprises a communications module. 39.A method according to claim 38 wherein the communications modulecomprises an RF transmitter.
 40. A method according to claim 34 furthercomprising setting the interface configuration of the scanning systemfor a given host type, wherein the given host type comprises a point ofsale unit.
 41. A method according to claim 34 further comprising settingthe interface configuration of the scanning system for a given hosttype, wherein the given host type comprises a wedge.
 42. A method forsetting interface configuration of a scanning system, comprising thesteps of(1) identifying the scanning system; (2) identifying a desiredinterface configuration for which the scanning system will be used; (3)identifying an interconnect cable corresponding to the scanning systemand the interface configuration identified in steps (1) and (2); (4)setting switches of the interconnect cable corresponding to the desiredinterface configuration; and (5) connecting the interconnect cable tothe scanning system.
 43. A method according to claim 42 furthercomprising(6) providing a label, the label containing encoded datacomprising instructions for selection of configuration parameters forthe scanning system; (7) using the scanning system to obtain the encodeddata; (8) processing the encoded data; (9) by means of an internalconfiguration routine, completing configuration the scanning system forthe given application by selecting proper internal parameter settings onthe basis of the instructions from the encoded data.
 44. A methodaccording to claim 43 further comprising placing the bar code label on atag associated with the interconnect cable.
 45. A method according toclaim 43 further comprising imprinting the bar code label directly onthe interconnect cable.
 46. A method according to claim 42 wherein theinterconnect cable includes a printed circuit board.
 47. A methodaccording to claim 42 wherein the step of setting the interfaceconfiguration comprises setting system parameters corresponding to aninterface type selected from the group consisting of: IBM 4683, OCIA,RS-232, Wand Emulation.
 48. A bar code scanning system comprising:aninterconnect cable detachably connectable to the scanning system, theinterconnect cable being removable by being connected to and beingdisconnected from the scanning system, the interconnect cable includinga first end connector for connection to the scanning system, the firstend connector having a plurality of pin connections wherein at least twoof the pin connections are interconnected; wherein hardware and/orfirmware of the scanning system is automatically configured to interfacewith a given host by selecting an interconnect cable corresponding tothe given host and connecting the interconnect cable to the scanningsystem.
 49. A system according to claim 48 wherein the scanning systemcomprises a laser bar code scanner, the interconnect cable beingdirectly connected to the scanner, the interconnect cable including aswitch for changing configuration of the interconnect cable.
 50. Asystem according to claim 48 wherein the interconnect cable includes aprinted circuit board.
 51. A system according to claim 48 wherein theinterconnect cable includes a printed circuit board having switches forchanging internal settings of the interconnect cable.
 52. A systemaccording to claim 48 further comprising an identifying code located onan outer surface of the interconnect cable, the identifying codecorresponding to a particular host or class of hosts to which theinterconnect cable corresponds.
 53. A system according to claim 48wherein the interconnect cable includes a first end for connection tothe scanner and a second end, the second end including a multiplecontact connector constructed and arranged to be properly physicallyconnectable only to given host or similar class of hosts.
 54. Aninterface configuration system for a scanning system, comprisinganinterconnect cable detachably connectable to the scanning system, theinterconnect cable being removable by being connected to and beingdisconnected from the scanning system, the interconnect cable includinga first end connector, the first end connector having a plurality of pinconnections wherein interface configuration of the scanning system iseffected by interconnecting at least two of the pin connections viaconnection of the first end connector.
 55. An interface configurationsystem for a scanning system, comprisingan interconnect cable detachablyconnectable to the scanning system, the interconnect cable beingremovable by being connected to and being disconnected from the scanningsystem, the interconnect cable including a first end connector, thefirst end connector having a plurality of pin connections whereininterface configuration is accomplished within the scanning system byinterconnecting at least two of the pin connections, wherein hardwareand/or firmware of the scanning system is automatically configured tointerface with a given host by selecting an interconnect cablecorresponding to the given host and connecting the interconnect cable tothe scanning system.
 56. An electronic device having a changeableinterface configuration, comprisinghardware and/or firmware which isconfigurable to at least two different interface configurations; aconnector which is connectable to an interconnect cable, the connectorhaving a plurality of electrical contacts wherein interfaceconfiguration is selected by interconnecting at least two of theelectrical contacts.
 57. An electronic device according to claim 56wherein the electrical contacts are selected from the group consistingof: edge connectors, pin connectors, plug connectors.
 58. An electronicdevice according to claim 56 wherein the electrical contacts areinterconnected by attachment of the interconnect cable to the connector.59. An electronic device according to claim 56 wherein the device isautomatically configured to interface with a given host by selecting aninterconnect cable corresponding to the given host and plugging theinterconnect cable to the device.
 60. A data reading system havinginternal hardware and/or firmware which is configurable to at least twodifferent interface configurations and in which an interconnect cable isdetachably connectable to the data reading system, the interconnectcable being removable by being connecting to and being disconnected fromthe data reading system wherein interface configuration of the datareading system is set to correspond to a selected one of the least twodifferent interface configurations by connecting a selected interconnectcable and connecting the interconnect cable to the data reader.
 61. Adata reading system in which an interconnect cable is detachablyconnectable to the data reading system, the interconnect cable beingremovable by being connecting to and being disconnected from the datareading system wherein interface configuration of the data readingsystem is set to correspond with a given host by selecting a selectedinterconnect cable and connecting the interconnect cable to the datareader, the data reading system, further comprisinginternal hardwareand/or firmware which is configurable to at least two differentinterface configurations; a connector which is connectable to aninterconnect cable, the connector having a plurality of pins whereininterface configuration is selected by interconnecting at least two ofthe pins via attachment of the interconnect cable.
 62. A data readingsystem comprisinga data reader; a connector having a plurality of pinconnections; an interconnect cable for attachment to the connector, theinterconnect cable including switches and a printed circuit board;internal circuitry for setting interface configuration parameters of thedata reading system, wherein the internal circuitry recognizes closingof an electrical connection between at least two of said pin connectionsand in response sets configuration of the data reading system to a giveninterface configuration.
 63. A data reading system according to claim 62wherein the interface configuration is selected from the groupconsisting of: IBM 4683, OCIA, RS-232, Wand Emulation.
 64. A datareading system according to claim 62 further comprising a data terminalconnected to the data reader via the interconnect cable.
 65. A datareading system according to claim 62 further comprising an RFcommunications module connected to the data reader.
 66. A data readingsystem according to claim 62 further comprising a unique programminglabel having configuration data encoded thereon, the configuration datacomprising information readable by the data reader to further configurethe data reading system to an interface configuration.
 67. A connectorcable system according to claim 62 wherein the interconnect cablecomprises a switch for changing a function of the interconnect cable.68. A connector cable system according to claim 62 wherein theinterconnect cable comprises a printed circuit.
 69. A connector cablesystem according to claim 62 wherein the interconnect cable comprises aradio frequency link.
 70. A data reading system comprisinga data reader;a connector on the data reader; an interconnect cable for attachment tothe connector, the interconnect cable including a printed circuit boardhaving multiple settings corresponding to different interfaceconfigurations; internalcircuitry for setting interface configurationparameters of the data reading system, wherein configuration of the datareading system is set to a given interface configuration at least inpart by switching settings within the printed circuit board.
 71. Amethod of configuring a data reading system for a given interfaceconfiguration, the data reading system including a data reader,comprising the steps ofidentifying the data reader; selecting aninterconnect cable corresponding to the data reader; providing theinterconnect cable with a printed circuit board, the printed circuitboard having multiple settings corresponding to different interfaceconfiguration settings; selecting interface configuration by changingsettings of the printed circuit board and connecting the interconnectcable to the data reader.
 72. A method according to claim 71 whereinchanging settings of the printed circuit board comprises setting manualswitches located on the printed circuit board.
 73. A method according toclaim 71 further comprisingproviding a label with information encodedthereon corresponding to configuration data; reading the label with thedata reader to obtain the configuration data; using the configurationdata to complete interface configuration of the data reading system. 74.A method according to claim 71 wherein setting the configuration furthercomprises reading a label and changing settings.
 75. A method ofconfiguring a data reading system for a given interface configurationcomprising the steps ofproviding a plurality of interconnect cables,each being plug compatible with the data reader; selecting a giveninterconnect cable from the plurality of interconnect cablescorresponding to the given interface configuration; connecting the giveninterconnect cable to the data reader; providing the data reading systemwith control circuitry which recognizes the given interconnect cable andin response configures the data reading system to the given interfaceconfiguration.
 76. A method of configuring a data reading system for agiven interface configuration comprising the steps ofproviding aplurality of interconnect cables, each being plug compatible with thedata reader; selecting a given interconnect cable from the plurality ofinterconnect cables corresponding to the given interface configuration;connecting the given interconnect cable to the data reader; providingthe given interconnect cable with a printed circuit board, the printedcircuit board having multiple settings corresponding to differentinterface configuration settings; changing settings of the printedcircuit board to correspond to the given interface configuration.